It is such a shame that CASA is not as advanced as either the PNG or NZ CAA with regard to mandating simulator (see NZ CAR 121.579 and its PNG equivalent) for exercises which are hazardous or impractical in the real aircraft. These countries have had this legislation in place for several years already
Hang around at POM on the weekend and you'll still see Dash 8s doing V1 cuts. Unless they aren't classed as hazardous.
With ref to the Zero Thrust v Idle - there was an article on this very subject in Flight Safety magazine in the last year or 2.